Flooding In Bolivia, Nc: What You Need To Know

On September 17, 2024, flooding on Highway 17 in Bolivia, North Carolina, left people stranded. The flooding was caused by a storm system that brought heavy downpours to Brunswick County, impacting several highways and roads throughout the county. Drivers were stuck in standstill traffic, with some being told they wouldn't be able to get home that night. This sudden flooding was unexpected, as residents were only prepared for rain and not the extent of the flooding that occurred.

Flooding traps drivers on Highway 17

Drivers in Brunswick County, North Carolina, were trapped on Monday by flooding on Highway 17 in Bolivia. The flooding was caused by tropical cyclone eight, which brought heavy rain and flooding to the region. The storm caused road collapses and led to multiple road closures.

Traffic began to congest at noon on Monday due to impassable sections of the highway. By 5 p.m., hundreds of cars were stuck on the highway, unable to move due to the floodwaters. The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office was unable to say when the roads would reopen.

Some drivers were able to detour off the highway and take refuge in nearby businesses, such as a Dollar General store in Winnabow. Others were forced to sleep in their cars while waiting for updates. One driver, Amanda Dry, described how quickly the situation escalated: "I knew that it was gonna rain, and I knew that I wanted the truck, but I mean, when I tell you it was just some heavy rain, like, 'oh man this sucks,' to the next thing I know, I'm opening the door of my truck, and the water is at the footstep, and there are airboats on the highway."

Public safety personnel worked to provide stranded individuals with food, water, and supplies. The sheriff's office advised drivers to remain calm and await further instructions from law enforcement. Community members who were not on the roads were asked to refrain from driving until conditions improved.

The flooding in Bolivia was part of a larger weather system that impacted the region. The National Weather Service reported flooding in Carolina Beach, with water quickly rising around parked cars. High water rescue vehicles were deployed to help people evacuate their homes and vehicles. The mayor of Carolina Beach, Lynn Barbee, advised residents to avoid driving and noted that Dow Road was almost impassable on Monday morning.

High water rescue vehicles deployed

As of September 18, 2024, southeastern North Carolina is experiencing the impacts of tropical cyclone eight, with flooding and road collapses affecting the region. High water rescue vehicles have been deployed in Bolivia, North Carolina, to assist people in evacuating their homes or vehicles.

The mayor of the region reported on social media that "rapid fire rescue calls continue from residents unable to get out of their homes and businesses." The flooding has caused significant disruptions, with roads becoming impassable and hundreds of vehicles stranded in the floodwaters.

High water rescue vehicles (HWRVs) are specifically designed for high-water evacuation operations. They are built with safety and ergonomics in mind and are equipped with features such as larger tires, suspension modifications, winches, and skid plates. The electrical systems and intake systems are designed to be more robust than those of standard vehicles, allowing them to operate effectively in high water conditions.

HWRVs can navigate through partially flooded areas and provide quick, safe loading and unloading of individuals with limited mobility, such as those in wheelchairs or bedridden. The body of the vehicle is designed for ease of access, victim protection, and transport, with features like large hydraulic lift gates, specialized ladders, and access steps.

The deployment of high water rescue vehicles in Bolivia, NC, is crucial in ensuring the safe and timely evacuation of residents impacted by the flooding caused by tropical cyclone eight. These specialized vehicles are well-equipped to handle the challenges of high-water rescue operations and play a vital role in protecting the lives of those affected by the natural disaster.

Tropical cyclone causes road collapse

On September 18, 2024, Tropical Cyclone #8 caused widespread flooding in Bolivia, North Carolina. The storm brought over a foot of rainfall to the region, leading to road collapses and closures.

The impact of the cyclone was felt across the region, with officials urging residents to avoid driving and stay off the roads. In Bolivia, floodwaters caused significant congestion on U.S. 17, leaving hundreds of cars stranded as the waters had yet to recede. The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office was unable to provide an estimate for when the roads would reopen.

The storm also caused a road collapse at Stuart Avenue and Moore Street near Southport. Additionally, NC 211 collapsed in two areas: between Walmart and Dosher Cutoff, and at Executive Park Boulevard near St. James. The City of Southport closed all through and inbound traffic until further notice and implemented additional road closures within the town.

The flooding in Bolivia and the surrounding areas was exacerbated by the coincidence of the storm with the king tides, the highest tides of the year, which are expected to cause higher-than-normal flooding levels through September 23.

The tropical cyclone's strong winds and torrential rains contributed to the road collapses and flooding in the area. The winds can lift roofs off buildings, blow down power lines, and uproot trees. The storm also brought high-velocity wave action, causing severe damage to buildings and infrastructure. The combination of storm surge and tides can result in a hurricane storm tide, increasing the average water level by 15 feet or more.

The impact of the cyclone and the resulting flooding caused significant disruptions and highlighted the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety guidelines in such weather events.

Flooding impacts multiple highways

The flooding also affected other roads in the area, including Dow Road, which was almost impassable, and NC 211, which collapsed in two areas. The City of Southport closed all through and inbound traffic and initiated several other road closures within the town. Nearby Oak Island also experienced road closures, with both lanes of the G.V. Barbee Bridge shut down.

The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office advised residents to avoid driving when possible and to remain extremely cautious. High water rescue vehicles were deployed to help people evacuate their homes and cars, and the mayor of Carolina Beach advised all residents to avoid driving throughout the island. The sheriff's office also provided road updates on social media to keep the public informed about the closures.

The storm system brought significant flooding to the area, impacting several highways and roads throughout Brunswick County. The flooding trapped drivers at a standstill, with some being told they would not be able to get home that night. While some were able to detour into nearby businesses, others were left to sleep in their cars, awaiting further information. The rapid rise of floodwaters took many by surprise, and public safety personnel worked to provide those stranded with food, water, and supplies.

Drivers unable to return home

On Monday, September 16, 2024, a tropical storm caused severe flooding in Brunswick County, North Carolina, leading to road closures and drivers being stranded.

Traffic along U.S. 17 near Bolivia began to congest around noon due to impassable sections of the highway caused by flooding. By 5 pm, hundreds of cars were stuck on the thoroughfare, unable to move due to the floodwaters that had yet to recede. The Brunswick County Sheriff's Office was uncertain when the roads could be reopened.

Little River resident Amanda Dry was one of the many drivers trapped by the sudden flooding. She described how she was driving on the highway from Little River towards New Bern when traffic started to back up near Bolivia. Before she knew it, the highway was flooded, and she, along with several other drivers, was trapped. Dry expressed her surprise at the sudden turn of events, stating that she had expected heavy rain but not the extent of the flooding.

Drivers were advised to remain calm and await further instructions from law enforcement to ensure their safety. Shelters were opened in Brunswick County at South Brunswick Middle School and Bolivia Elementary School for those who could not return home.

The flooding in Bolivia, NC, caused significant disruptions, leaving many drivers stranded and unable to return home. The swiftness of the flooding and the extent of the road closures presented a challenging situation for both residents and emergency responders.

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